User Comments about From Here to Community
(including field testing)
Participants become community for each other
"M. Scott Peck once wrote, 'In and through community lies the salvation of the world.' In a society in which life is increasingly characterized by isolation, anxiety around global issues facing our world, and the false notion that we must 'go it alone', From Here to Community gives the church a wonderful instrument that creates community in our midst. And all this for the sake of our common ministry that seeks to transform that isolation and fear into joy-filled and loving service.
From Here to Community does what it intends - a small group of committed Christians turns into the kind of community that is spoken about in the Greek Testament. Sisters and brothers in Christ learn to trust one another with their wounds and their hope-filled dreams, they struggle with the way things really are in this affluent yet broken culture, and move forward with concrete ways that the Body of Christ can make a difference.
From Here to Community has given me and those with whom I have shared the experience, the opportunity to know the joys of community - mutual support, encouragement, inspiration and a flesh and blood encounter with the Lord of Life who is known most profoundly through this Body, the church."
The Rev. Dr. Martha Klein-Larsen
Priest, St. John's Episcopal Church, Bristol, CT
So, why should YOU take part in From Here to Community?
(1) The materials are a pleasure to read, thoughtfully prepared, and expertly written. They include a blend of readings, reflections, and activities that both challenge our thinking and move us to action.
(2) This series is relevant, directly connected to Emanuel's re-visioning efforts.
(3) This is a very real opportunity to develop community among the participants.
(4) This is a great opportunity to learn about all the terrific things that are happening already at Emanuel.
(5) And, finally, this is a chance for church people to work together to find ways to improve what we already do well; to make connections with each other and with the wider community; to strengthen the impact of what we do as individuals and as a congregation; to move Emanuel from fragmented good deeds to coordinated services. Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT
We benefited from your study, research and guidance
"We would like to express our appreciation for the opportunity we have had to explore From Here to Community together. The user-friendly format of your book has given us much food for thought and is challenging us to explore new areas of service for our congregation. We were glad for the opportunity to benefit from your study, research and guidance. Thank you!"
Northwest Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Columbus, OH
From Participants
(1) "I liked how church history, scripture, case studies, and sociological observations were melded together."
(2) "Excellent food for thought on many areas of my life that need adjusting."
(3) "The true stories generated a lot of personal sharing."
(4) "We were consistently challenged to dig deeper rather than give quick answers."
(5) "I didn't know the Bible had so much guidance for communities.
From Leaders
(1) "Well-integrated, well-structured sessions."
(2) "Good preparation for two members who will be on our church vision committee."
(3) "Some folks have not only been stirred on the edges, but also on the inside."
(4) "The Leader's Guide helped me feel well-prepared, more of a facilitator than a leader."
(5) "The teaching plans had helpful suggestions for visual aids and discussion points."
(6) "Preparation time was two hours, done over the week so I felt grounded and at ease."
(7) "I liked the comfort of putting the Leader's Guide pages right in the participant version."
(8) "The example from the Leader's Guide helped get the discussion started."
(including field testing)
Participants become community for each other
"M. Scott Peck once wrote, 'In and through community lies the salvation of the world.' In a society in which life is increasingly characterized by isolation, anxiety around global issues facing our world, and the false notion that we must 'go it alone', From Here to Community gives the church a wonderful instrument that creates community in our midst. And all this for the sake of our common ministry that seeks to transform that isolation and fear into joy-filled and loving service.
From Here to Community does what it intends - a small group of committed Christians turns into the kind of community that is spoken about in the Greek Testament. Sisters and brothers in Christ learn to trust one another with their wounds and their hope-filled dreams, they struggle with the way things really are in this affluent yet broken culture, and move forward with concrete ways that the Body of Christ can make a difference.
From Here to Community has given me and those with whom I have shared the experience, the opportunity to know the joys of community - mutual support, encouragement, inspiration and a flesh and blood encounter with the Lord of Life who is known most profoundly through this Body, the church."
The Rev. Dr. Martha Klein-Larsen
Priest, St. John's Episcopal Church, Bristol, CT
So, why should YOU take part in From Here to Community?
(1) The materials are a pleasure to read, thoughtfully prepared, and expertly written. They include a blend of readings, reflections, and activities that both challenge our thinking and move us to action.
(2) This series is relevant, directly connected to Emanuel's re-visioning efforts.
(3) This is a very real opportunity to develop community among the participants.
(4) This is a great opportunity to learn about all the terrific things that are happening already at Emanuel.
(5) And, finally, this is a chance for church people to work together to find ways to improve what we already do well; to make connections with each other and with the wider community; to strengthen the impact of what we do as individuals and as a congregation; to move Emanuel from fragmented good deeds to coordinated services. Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester, CT
We benefited from your study, research and guidance
"We would like to express our appreciation for the opportunity we have had to explore From Here to Community together. The user-friendly format of your book has given us much food for thought and is challenging us to explore new areas of service for our congregation. We were glad for the opportunity to benefit from your study, research and guidance. Thank you!"
Northwest Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Columbus, OH
From Participants
(1) "I liked how church history, scripture, case studies, and sociological observations were melded together."
(2) "Excellent food for thought on many areas of my life that need adjusting."
(3) "The true stories generated a lot of personal sharing."
(4) "We were consistently challenged to dig deeper rather than give quick answers."
(5) "I didn't know the Bible had so much guidance for communities.
From Leaders
(1) "Well-integrated, well-structured sessions."
(2) "Good preparation for two members who will be on our church vision committee."
(3) "Some folks have not only been stirred on the edges, but also on the inside."
(4) "The Leader's Guide helped me feel well-prepared, more of a facilitator than a leader."
(5) "The teaching plans had helpful suggestions for visual aids and discussion points."
(6) "Preparation time was two hours, done over the week so I felt grounded and at ease."
(7) "I liked the comfort of putting the Leader's Guide pages right in the participant version."
(8) "The example from the Leader's Guide helped get the discussion started."